Pacman spars, leaves for Los Angeles

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao trained hard behind closed doors yesterday afternoon and was scheduled to board an evening flight to Los Angeles for the final push as his welterweight title clash against Jessie Vargas draws closer.

Head trainer Freddie Roach ordered the doors to the Elorde Gym near Mall of Asia locked the moment Pacquiao arrived for his final workout in Manila.

It was sparring day for the 37-year-old Pacquiao, and Roach wanted to make sure they make the most out of their final workout before they head to Los Angeles.

“He just sparred 10 rounds then did the mitts. The gym was locked down for the whole training session,” Mike Koncz told The STAR.

Pacquiao went down with the flu more than a week ago. His handlers blamed it on the fact that too many people are being allowed inside the gym while training goes on.

“We have to do this to ensure he doesn’t get sick a few days before the fight against Vargas,” said Koncz.

“Coach Freddie had been complaining about the presence of many people at the gym during the training session,” he added.

But it’s Pacquiao who’s really letting them in because he loves being surrounded by people and fans circling the ring as he trains.

Pacquiao was to board the 9 p.m. Philippine Airlines flight to Los Angeles with his wife, Jinkee, and his team members, including Roach, who arrived in Manila four weeks ago.

The Filipino boxing superstar who just retired last April is coming back to fight for the WBO welterweight crown which he used to own.

“I can’t wait to fight. I really miss boxing,” said Pacquiao.

With Senate in recess, Pacquiao is a free man. His legislative duties kept him from leaving the country to train for the coming fight.

Instead, he chose to stay home, and found a place to train, just a few minutes away from the Philippine Senate. The past weeks he did roadwork in the morning, attended hearings in the day and trained at night.

Pacquiao arrives in Los Angeles Saturday evening, giving him enough time to rest and shake things off the following day before resuming training at the Wild Card Gym on Monday.

Sparring resumes Tuesday when Pacquiao begins to taper down inside the ring.

Strength and conditioning remains in high gear with the eight-division champion still expected to do a couple of runs up and down Griffith Park in the coming week.